Luxor Temple

A Living Monument to Egypt’s Divine Kingship

In the heart of Luxor—once the thriving city of Thebes, capital of the New Kingdom—stands Luxor Temple, a masterwork of ancient Egyptian architecture and religious symbolism. Unlike other temples in Egypt dedicated to gods, Luxor Temple was devoted to the renewal of kingship—a ceremonial space where divine and earthly power met. What sets Luxor Temple apart is its deep spiritual function, unique location, and the remarkable fact that it has been in continuous use—spiritually and socially—for over 3,000 years.

Why This Location?

Luxor Temple is located right in the middle of modern Luxor, on the east bank of the Nile. In ancient Egyptian cosmology, the east bank represented life and rebirth—while the west bank (home to tombs and necropolises) symbolized death and the afterlife. This made Luxor Temple the ideal setting for rituals celebrating the renewal of divine authority and the living pharaoh’s connection to the gods.

The temple is also aligned with Karnak Temple to the north via the Avenue of Sphinxes, a ceremonial road over 2 km long used during the annual Opet Festival. During this grand celebration, statues of Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu were carried in procession from Karnak to Luxor Temple, symbolizing fertility, cosmic order, and political legitimacy.

Luxor Temple: A Living Monument to Egypt’s Divine Kingship

The History of Luxor Temple

Construction of Luxor Temple began under Pharaoh Amenhotep III (circa 1390–1352 BCE) of the 18th Dynasty. He built the inner sanctuaries, the colonnade, and core chambers. Later, Ramses II (1279–1213 BCE) of the 19th Dynasty added the massive entrance pylons, statues, and the original pair of obelisks—one of which now stands in Paris.

The temple evolved over centuries, with minor additions by later pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Alexander the Great (whose name appears in inscriptions). It also reflects Egypt’s layered religious history: parts were adapted during the Christian period, and in the 13th century, the Mosque of Abu Haggag was built on top of its ruins—still functioning today, highlighting the temple’s unique continuity.

Abu Haggag Mosque

As Christianity spread across Egypt, parts of the temple were converted into a church, and later, during the Islamic period, the Abu Haggag Mosque was built directly on top of the ruins. What makes this mosque truly remarkable is that it has been in continuous use for over 800 years, even though it stands atop a structure that dates back over three millennia.

Built during the 13th century and named after a revered Sufi sheikh, the mosque is still active today and plays an important role in the local community. The mosque’s elevated position—literally built on top of the ancient ruins—was made possible because, over centuries, layers of silt and debris had buried much of the original temple. When excavations began in the 19th century, rather than destroy the mosque, archaeologists preserved it, allowing modern worship to coexist with ancient history. I

What to See Inside Luxor Temple

The Pylons & Courtyard of Ramses II: Towering statues, colossal seated figures, and hieroglyphs proclaiming the military victories of one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs.

Obelisks: Only one remains on-site; the other was gifted to France and now graces Paris’s Place de la Concorde.

Colonnade of Amenhotep III: An elegant procession of 14 giant columns, symbolizing papyrus stalks and leading to inner courts.

Sanctuary of Amun-Ra: The spiritual heart of the temple where sacred rituals were performed.

Roman Frescoes: Evidence of reuse as a Roman military camp and Christian place of worship can be seen in wall art.

Mosque of Abu Haggag: Built directly into the temple’s structure, it offers a unique juxtaposition of Islamic and Pharaonic architecture.

Did You Know?

The Luxor Temple’s alignment with the winter solstice means sunlight penetrates its central axis at a precise angle once a year, illuminating key sanctuaries.
The site served as a major religious hub for more than 1,000 years—even the Greeks and Romans left their mark here.
The mosque built within the temple was only excavated in the late 19th century, after centuries of being partially buried in sand.

Tips for Visiting Luxor Temple

Timing: Visit early morning or after sunset for fewer crowds and better lighting for photography.
Night Visit: The temple is beautifully illuminated after dark, offering a completely different experience.
Combo Ticket: Pair your visit with Karnak Temple, the Avenue of Sphinxes, or a Nile boat ride at sunset.
Dress Appropriately: Respect local customs, especially if entering the mosque area.
Use a Guide: A knowledgeable guide can help decode the symbolism and historical context of the carvings and structures.

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

During my trip to Egypt, I booked a couple of tours and had an incredible time! I’m sharing the links below in case you’re interested.

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

During my trip to Egypt, I booked a couple of tours and had an incredible time! I’m sharing the links below in case you’re interested.

Luxor Temple

A Living Monument to Egypt’s Divine Kingship

Why This Location?

The History of Luxor Temple

Abu Haggag Mosque

What to See Inside Luxor Temple

Location

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Entrance Fee:

Did You Know?

Tips for Visiting Luxor Temple

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

More things to see in Egypt